2025 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2025 Volkswagen Taos
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander brings substantial presence to the compact crossover segment with its robust 185.8-inch length and respectable 181 horsepower, promising a feeling of solid, traditional SUV capability. In stark contrast, the 2025 Volkswagen Taos thrills with its exceptional fuel economy, achieving a stellar 31 MPG combined, which significantly undercuts the Outlander's 27 MPG combined rating. While the Taos sacrifices rear volume, offering a massive 27.9 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Outlander's tighter 10.9 cu ft, its superior efficiency and $4,500 lower starting MSRP of $25,495 make a compelling financial argument. The Outlander counters with slightly more power (181 lb-ft vs. Taos' 184 lb-ft is close) and a greater physical footprint, but the Taos remains the pocket-friendly choice thanks to its nearly 4 MPG advantage.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The Taos wins for daily commuting due to its superior combined fuel economy of 31 MPG, leading to lower running costs.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The Taos offers significantly more practical utility with 27.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Outlander's 10.9 cu ft.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander
The Outlander slightly edges out the competition for performance appeal with its 181 horsepower rating versus the Taos' 174 horsepower.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The Taos is the superior value proposition, boasting a $4,500 lower MSRP and better long-term savings through fuel efficiency.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if...
- You prioritize physical road presence, indicated by the Outlander's larger 185.8-inch length.
- You seek the slightly higher peak horsepower figure of 181 hp.
- You prefer the feeling of a more traditional, larger crossover stance.
Choose the Volkswagen Taos if...
- Saving money on fuel is paramount, thanks to the Taos' 36 MPG highway rating.
- Maximum usable cargo area is required, as the Taos delivers 27.9 cu ft.
- You want to save $4,500 upfront with the lower starting MSRP of $25,495.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Outlander | Volkswagen Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8" | 175.9" |
| Width | 74.7" | 72.5" |
| Height | 68.7" | 64.5" |
| Wheelbase | 106.5" | 105.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 181 hp @ 6000 rpm | 174 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/31 MPG | 28/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 348.0/449.5 mi. | 369.6/475.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.6 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.0 in. | 53.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.9 in. | 37.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.3 in. | 45.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | — | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/60R18 | 215/55R H |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 30000 mi. | 2 yr./ 20000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander and 2025 Volkswagen Taos.
What is the primary financial difference between the 2025 Outlander and the 2025 Taos?
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander has an MSRP of $29,995, which is $4,500 more expensive than the 2025 Volkswagen Taos starting price of $25,495. This initial savings makes the Taos a strong financial contender.
Which crossover offers better long-term fuel savings?
The Volkswagen Taos is significantly more efficient, achieving a 31 MPG combined rating versus the Outlander's 27 MPG combined rating. This 4 MPG advantage translates directly into lower expenditures at the pump over time.
How much more cargo space does the Taos offer over the Outlander?
The Taos provides a massive advantage in utility, boasting 27.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity. In comparison, the Outlander is severely limited with only 10.9 cubic feet available.
Do both vehicles use regular unleaded fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander and the 2025 Volkswagen Taos specify regular unleaded fuel for their powertrains, avoiding the expense of premium grades.
How do the transmissions differ between these two FWD crossovers?
The Outlander utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), while the Taos employs a more conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, which enthusiasts often prefer for a more engaging drive.
Is the Outlander noticeably larger than the Taos?
Yes, the Outlander is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 185.8 inches in length compared to the Taos' 175.9 inches, which may appeal to drivers wanting a more substantial on-road presence.
More Budget SUVs Under $30,000
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool